
Class T'SZSlS' 

Book 'L i'b'r H 7 



COPYRIGHT DEPOSIT. 



The 
Home Spirit 



A Collection of Poems by 
M. ADELINE HINCKLEY 




Cochrane Publishing Company 
Tribune Building 
New York 
1910 






Copyright, 1910, by 
M. Adeline Hinckley 



©C!.A28:J166 



CONTENTS 

The Home Spirit 9 

Which is Best? 10 

My True Love 11 

My Love 12 

Father 13 

Mother 15 

Baby (aged two) 16 

Two Friends 17 

Aunt Louise 18 

Work 19 

A Cause , 20 

True Service 21 

Kapiolani 22 

Hope 24 

The Express Courier 26 

Monument to the Forefathers at Plymouth 28 



Pussy-Willows 29 

The Bluebird's Message 31 

American Goldfinch 32 

In Mass 33 

Apple Blossom Time 34 

Megansett 36 

The Fairy's Home 39 

The Invitation 41 

The Junco 42 

Lily Pond 43 

The Brookside 44 

Fall Days 45 

A Fall Surprise 46 

A Warm October Day 47 

Friends 49 

Indian Summer 51 

A Cloudy December Day 52 



The Night's Miracle 53 

The Winter Visitor 54 

Memory's Garden 55 

Give Thanks 56 

My Trust 58 

Prayer 59 

Easter Morn 60 

St. Bernard 61 

The Pure in Heart 60 

Saint Lucia 64 

Saint Barbara 66 

Saint Catherine 68 

Saint Christopher 71 

Saint EHzabeth 74 

Christmas Good- Will 76 

Christ is Bom 77 ^ 

Ideals 80 



?|ome Spirit 



THE HOME SPIRIT 



THE HOME SPIRIT 

A spirit small, impalpable, 

Makes this her chosen residence. 

She has a mind most fanciful, 
So clearly sees each excellence. 

She needs a pure unselfish air 

From heated waves of anger free, 

And here she finds a place so fair 
At home she always longs to be. 

At times she sees worn, weary ones 
Return from draining days of toil, 

And knows they long for summer suns 
To bring fresh life from out the soil. 

And here she hears the secret plans 
Which make their life so very rich ; 

And now their youthful ardor fans. 
Yet sees each wall and hidden ditch. 

At home the air is full of cheer 
And merry words fly to and fro; 

For here no carping friend is near 

And thoughts no chilling bonds do know. 

In days of weariness and pain 

She fills each heart with strength to bear. 
Thus day by day they health regain 

In presence of a Love so fair. 



THE HOME SPIRIT 



WHICH IS BEST? 

Joy is like the rush of mountain / 

Brook in spring. Glad thrills are going 

Headlong from the brain, that fountain 
Filled to point of overflowing. 

Gladness is the scintillating 

Light on lake, when sun shines brightly. 
With it goes the song of mating 

Birds, and all that pleases rightly. 

Happiness is like the ocean 

Broad, whose surface smooth soon covers 
0*er all trace of wreck. Emotion 

True and sweet about us hovers. 

Peace is like the quiet river, 
Always moving, never resting. 

Though worn nerves may sometimes quiver, 
Blessed peace results from testing 



10 



THE HOME SPIRIT 



MY TRUE LOVE 

My love is true of heart and mind 
And gives to me her answer "Yes," 

With scarce a thought of what she find 
To warrant such a lavishness. 

In her sweet presence evermore 

I breathe the fragrance of her deeds ; 

And oft I draw upon my store 

Of heart-words poor to meet my needs. 

My love is beautiful in w^ord 

And deed. She thinks of others much, 
And often has her plans deferred 

With her free will. There are few such ! 

My love is full of life and fun. 
And tries on me her roguish tricks. 

She likes to feel that she has won 
In contest keen ; so me she pricks. 

My love is tender hearted, true, 
Her sympathy, both sweet and strong, 

Outruns the pain. With balm so sure 
She lightens all my way with song. 

To me my love is very fair. 

Though once I thought her somewhat plain. 
But then I had not kissed her hair, 

Nor seen her flush and pale again. 

To me my love is all in all, 

My heart with joy o'erflows. My mind 
Overleaps the time till days of fall, 

Which us for aye together bind. 

n 



THE HOME SPIRIT 



MY LOVE 

My love is strong to do and dare 

In cause of righteousness; 
Nor will he wrongful action bear. 

Though it may win success. 

In judgment somewhat harsh and stern 

To all who err and fail, 
Where he can honest faith discern, 

He heeds each direful tale. 

His heart is big enough to hold 

All men within its grasp. 
To friends his words are never cold, 

Nor do they ever rasp. 

To me he shows his manly worth 

And deepest tenderness. 
Of heart-warm words there is no dearth ; 

And deeds his love confess. 



12 



THE HOME SPIRIT 



FATHER 

Father, man of strength and cheer, 
Bulwark of the home and state. 

Children's choicest playmate dear, 
Guardian of their future fate. 

Morning calls him to his store. 

Day is passed in toil, to gain 
Sure support for all, before 

Strength gives out beneath the strain. 

Evening sees him weary, well, 
Finding rest at home so sweet, 

Listening to the tales they tell. 
As they clamber o'er his feet. 

Lessons failed, and lessons learned. 
Friendships made, and quarrels sad, 

How they had some pennies earned, 
Why they didn't like this lad. 

Bedtime comes, and with a kiss, 
They depart with footsteps slow, 

Thinking of the fun they miss, 
Climbing stairs all in a row. 



13 



THE HOME SPIRIT 



Sunday, day of rest and joy, 

Comes to bless the children dear. 
Father brings them each a toy, 

Tells them stories quaint and queer. 

Happy childhood days glide past, 
Under father's watchful care. 

Years are going very fast, 

Bringing blessings somewhat rare. 

Youths and maidens now receive 
Fullest love and constant care. 

Still in father they believe, 
As their words and acts declare. 

He with them his wisdom shares. 

Giving gladly of his best. 
As for them he plans and cares 

They still heed his each behest. 

Father-life so strong and high 
Teaches faith in God above. 

He who gave His Son to die, 
Must be full of hope and love. 



14 



THE HOME SPIRIT 



MOTHER 

What other name that tongue can frame 
Suggests such priceless love and care 

As that of mother? That dear name, 
And Christ's in reverence we bear. 

The children's guardian angel fair. 
She keeps her heart all pure within. 

Thus heavenly joy her face will wear, 
When children conquer over sin. 

A playmate much to be desired, 

When others fail or storm keeps back, 

For she with zeal to win is fired, 
And in her play there is no lack. 

But more by far than playmate dear 
Is she who guides with careful thought 

To paths of righteousness, where fear 
Of sin and death can enter not. 

She studies hard to keep in touch 
With various tastes of growing boys. 

They scarcely realize how much 

They learn ; for books to them are toys. 

And work she gives and love she shares 
With others than her own. Her thought 

Includes the universe, which fares 
The better for her life well-fought. 



15 



THE HOME SPIRIT 



BABY (AGED TWO) 

Baby's ears are made to hear, 
Mother's words so plain and clear. 

Baby's eyes are bright and brown. 
Looking at you up and down. 

or 

Baby's eyes are large and blue, 
Looking at you straight and true. 

Baby's hands though very small 
Hold with care her precious doll. 

Baby's feet go flying round, 
Scarcely making any sound. 

Baby's nose she always sticks, 
Into every flower she picks. 

Baby's mouth is wreathed in smiles, 
With no thought of subtle wiles. 

Baby's lips are made to kiss, 
Something she must never miss. 

Baby's heart is newly sown. 
It is not with weeds o'ergrown. 

Baby's heart is all her own, 
From its place it has not flown. 

16 



THE HOME SPIRIT 



TWO FRIENDS 

Two college friends once took a walk, 
And passed their time away in talk 
Of days now gone, and years ahead, 
And of the pathway they might tread. 

One planned to work long years with zeal, 
However tired and worn she feel, 
And give the world the pleasing sound 
Which great composers made abound. 

One hoped to teach the youth to know 
The bloom of field and meadow low, 
The growth of plants, which from the seed 
Bring forth the fruit for every need. 

The first had gift of music rare, 
And means to live without a care. 
The other had a well-trained mind 
To note whatever she might find. 

Two friends for life though one should gain 
The laurel crown of fame through pain, 
And one should tread with footsteps slow, 
The paths that God has made below. 



17 



THE HOME SPIRIT 



AUNT LOUISE 

A dear, sweet, gentle lady, old 
With years whose sum was seldom told, 
With hair as white as purest snow, 
And eyes of brown, with youthful glow. 

With love enough to spare for all, 
Both old and young, and big and small. 
Such changing, shifting moods she felt 
As are the lot of old-time Celt. 

Her laugh at tale of wit and mirth, 
To v/hich some friend had just given birth, 
Came bubbling forth, as clear and sweet 
As song of bird amid the wheat. 

A friend in time of need to all, 
With aid so sure for those who call. 
But most of all a playmate glad. 
For every lass and growing lad. 



18 



THE HOME SPIRIT 



WORK 

Another day has dawned upon the earth 

Which brings its work, so often done before. 

That, weary of the treadmill, one asks what worth 
There is in constant toil in home and store. 

That thought scarce comes to one who works with zeal 
In chosen field, where day by day his task 

Calls forth his inner power. He has the seal 
Of God's approval, in which men do bask. 

As God did work to form the earth and all 
The myriad worlds, and then beheld and saw 

Them good; so man still finds that nothing can befall. 
Which gives true joy like knowledge of the law. 

This makes him master of the universe, 
Creator in his turn. He makes the world 

A garden of the Lord, and calls the curse 

Of that first man, a blessing earthward hurled. 



19 



THE HOME SPIRIT 



A CAUSE 

A man scarce lives who has no worthy cause 
For which he sacrifices, strives and works. 

A poet merely keeps poetic laws, 

Unless a hidden fire within still lurks. 

Our fathers fought to keep the country whole; 

And Lowell wrote his poems that set on fire 
The young and brave. While Whittier did toll 

The bells for slaves who lived in deepest mire. 

The cause of civic righteousness has had 
Its poet. While suffering humanity 

Sends forth its wail in varied tones most sad. 
Sang one, **A11 knowledge is but vanity." 

And some have tried to feed the heart's unrest 
With baubles and vain shows. But some have led 

Men's spirits nearer God and given their best 
To rouse immortal souls which were most dead. 



20 



THE HOME SPIRIT 



TRUE SERVICE 

In love do service each for each; 

Think out the needs of men 
Athirst in desert lands and reach 

Their wants, though one or ten. 

To one bowed down with grief for friend 
Just lost, bring hopeful cheer, 

And often go and with him spend 
The hours which seem so drear. 

To those, the great unnumbered throng 
Where work brings need of rest, 

Tell not the tale of greed and wrong, 
But give that which is best. 

To those, the young and free from care 

Give fitting helpful work. 
For who all things can do and dare 

At home must never lurk. 



21 



THE HOME SPIRIT 



KAPIOLANI 

Hawaii lifts twin peaks in air, 
Which stand grave sentinels. 

And guard the land with constant care, 
Though much its mien repels. 

Volcanoes three belch forth their fires 
And lava streams, which flood 

The island o'er. Each peak aspires 
To kill the growing bud. 

Yet here and there a valley hid 

Between the distant hills 
Escapes the general doom, and rid 

Of fear, with verdure fills. 

The goddess Pelee made her home 

In smoking crater deep. 
In angry mood, all those who roam 

Around could hear her weep. 

To guard her altar and her home 

Her sacred fires she lit, 
A cloud of fire by night, as dome 

Which o'er her mountain home did sit. 

Then Kapiolani, chieftess brave, 

Went forth to make ascent 
Of Pel6e's home, and thus to save 

Her people. With her went 



22 



THE HOME SPIRIT 



Some eighty souls who followed afar, 
As straight to the brink she went 

And cast in stones, intent to mar 
The boiling lake there pent. 

''Jehovah, God of heaven, is mine. 

Him must you serve and fear," 
She cried. Then prayed and sang a line 

Of Christian hymn so dear. 

The crater cracked beneath her feet, 

Hot stones around her flew, 
AVhile sizzling blasts of furnace heat 

Around her madly blew. 

She came unhurt, serene, and calm. 

As one whose trust was stayed 
On God. And those who saw had balm 

For fear which now was laid. 



23 



THE HOME SPIRIT 



HOPE 

The Angel Hope had troubled mind; 

For much she owed her followers true. 
What happy way could she now find 

To satisfy their wants anew? 

She thought the problem o'er, but failed 

To find solution new ; so went, 
And in a fleecy cloud, now sailed 

The heavens through, though not content. 

Beneath her lay the cold, brown earth, 
With scarce a trace of winter's snow. 

Of sun and warmth there was great dearth, 
And ice still checked the brook's glad flow. 

But here and there amid the trees 

A hint of swelling bud was seen. 
And now the frost in earnest flees 

As pussy willows forward lean. 

A load of care fell down to earth, 

And now with lightened mind she planned 
To tell her friends of spring's new birth 

And open plains by warm winds fanned. 



24 



THE HOME SPIRIT 



Her work she recognized with joy 
To stir the city folk and send 

Them out for fun without alloy. 

For all can share what none can lend. 

The hopes which nature does not feed 
Each man must realize by work. 

And living hopes which Godward lead 
In dark and cold must never lurk. 



25 



THE HOME SPIRIT 



THE EXPRESS COURIER 

The nation's wrongs had kindled flames 
Which swept the country north and south. 

These wrongs aroused the peaceful dames; 
Brought terms of wrath to each man's mouth. 

The constant searching of our ships 

And seizing of our men went on. 
They talked it o'er with hands on hips, 

And planned their uniforms to don. 

So eighteen twelve saw war declared 

Against old England once again. 
The President saw how it fared, 
' And signed the papers with some pain. 

Then forth rode William Phillips bound 

As messenger from Washington 
To carry the glad news around 

To those whose cause was so far won. 

By day and night he pressed right on 

Without a rest, except for time 
To change his horse. In Lexington, 

He raised a cloud of dust like lime. 

His ninety miles and five he went 

Nine days, a deed no other man 
Has matched. From Nashville he was sent 

To warn the settlers in the van. 



26 



THE HOME SPIRIT 



He gave the word to all he met, 
And put them on their guard. At last 

He reached the gulf, and here he let 
His flesh have rest from work so vast. 

In Tennessee they made their plans, 
And Andrew Jackson led them forth 

To guard their state from Englishman's 
Attack. The war pleased not the North. 

The western states now paid the cost 
Of Indian raids and prowling foes. 

The sea-board towns their ships now lost. 
Incompetence brought needless woes. 

Their terms of peace at last they made, 
And each was glad to have an end 

Of devastating war. They weighed 
The cost of ills they now must mend. 



27 



THE HO]\IE SPIRIT 



MONUMENT TO THE FOREFATHERS AT 

PLYMOUTH 

Lo, here stands Faith with arm uplifted high, 
And finger pointing to the sky above. 

Upon her forehead high, the pointed star 

Makes fitting crown for one of heavenly birth. 

Beneath on lower pedestal there sits 
A man alert and in the prime of youth. 

Lo, Freedom watches o'er the hills and bay, 
Lest might destroy the nation's sense of right. 

At right, there sits a female grave and pure 

With left hand clasping firm and close the Law, 

In right the scroll of Revelation sure. 

Morality's cold glance checks sinners bold. 

At left, lo ! Education has her seat 

And calmly muses on the Nation's past, 

And plans with care new work for years to come. 
Long life to her, chief bulwark of the state! 

In rear, there sits the Law austere and grave 
With eyes, whose glances keen can penetrate 

The evils of the time, and check their growth, 
Before they come to be of mammoth size. 

The fathers, brave and stern, came o'er the sea 
To found a state, where each and all should share 

The common good, and worship God in peace. 

Strong men and true, whose work endures and 
grows. 



28 



THE HOME SPIRIT 



PUSSY-WILLOWS 

The first Spring day had come, and frozen earth 
Felt joy at touch of summer sun. It longed 

To shake off winter sloth, and give new birth 

To all the flowers which grassy meadows thronged. 

But Frost was loath to yield its deadty sway, 
And still held lake pent up in ice so deep 

That weeks must pass before the final day 

When waters wear their way and upward leap. 

The houses opened up, and poured forth fast 
A stream of old and young. The babies took 

Their first sweet breath of mother air, and cast 
Their eyes around, and blinked with puzzled look. 

I went in search of pussy-willows grey 

Who dare the cold, since wrapped in warmest fur. 
And now borne on the breeze, there came the lay 

Of bluebird. Much I wished a glimpse of her. 

I came to apple orchard nigh, and found 
The bird I sought. There on a limb she sat. 

And sang with husky voice, while on a mound 
A second bird hopped o'er the sandy mat. 



2') 



THE HOME SPIRIT 



The rushing, swirling brook was heard afar. 

Its waters madly dashed against the banks, 
Which beat them back again. This earthen bar 

Was held by matted roots in rows and ranks. 

And here the pussy-willows grew so dear 

To children's hearts. Against the tangled grass 

The reddish bark of lower stems showed clear. 
Their silky catkins one can never pass. 



30 



THE HOME SPIRIT 



THE BLUEBIRD'S MESSAGE 

The cold, cold winds of March were here, 
The grey, grey sky of winter drear. 
When from a sheltered spot so near 
The bluebird's note was heard so clear, 
Yes, "Tru-al-ly," oh! "Tru-al-ly." 

With back a bit of heaven's own blue, 
And breast a touch of sunset's hue, 
It seemed his mission to declare 
The joy and beauty spring would bare. 
Oh ! "Spring is here," yes, ''Spring is here." 

Oh ! blessed are the pure in heart 
For they shall see the God of art, 
Who fashioned man for life above. 
And made the bluebird sing of love, 
Yes, "Purity," oh! "Purity." 

From orchards white, from pine trees green. 
From dusty road, and brook's bright sheen, 
As spring advances day by day 
There comes the blue bird's tender lay 
Oh! "Tur-a-wee," yes, "Tur-a-wee." 

When autumn leaves are falling fast, 
And winds proclaim a summer past, 
Then bluebirds join the southward bound 
With fond farewell and plaintive sound. 
Yes "Far-a-way," oh ! "Far-a-way." 



31 



THE HOME SPIRIT 



AMERICAN GOLDFINCH 

The goldfinch gaily wings 

His curved path through the air. 

He views the world, and flings 
Broadcast his music rare. 

The finch in yellow dress 

With cap and wings of black, 

Makes all the wilderness 
Acknowledge spring is back. 

With call of name most clear, 

With words so dear **Sweet, sweet," 

He woos his mate with fear. 
It is a trying feat ! 

On hot and murky days 

He toils for love of home. 
He longs for air from bays, 

All rough with white sea foam. 

In winter days he wears 

His sober drab and brown. 
His life is full of cares 

Which match his Quaker gown. 



Z2 



THE HOME SPIRIT 



IN MASS 

The violets in solid mass 

Make rugs of delicate design 

And colors fair. Beneath the pine 

They cluster close and see who pass. 

On hillside neath the sun so stern 
They grow of lighter hue, and share 
With cinquefoil bright their daily fare 
Of air strong-scented with sweet fern. 

A solitary one is found 

Among anemones in low, moist land, 

An amethyst amid the band 

Of snowflakes calmly nodding round. 

Its winsome face one only sees 
When close at hand one forward stoops ; 
And yet far distant clustered groups 
Attention claim from men and bees. 

Effective action comes most sure 
From union close and strong. Yet each 
Should feel his words and deeds must reach 
The world's real needs, if true and pure. 



33 



THE HOME SPIRIT 



APPLE BLOSSOM TIME 

Apple blossom time is here. 
Gladdest week of all the year. 

Then the skies are blue and clear, 
Summer days are drawing near. 

Trees all clad in pink and white 
Shed their fragrance in the air. 

Clouds above, so white and light, 
Idly float, now here, now there. 

Golden robins madly dash 
In among the blossoms fair, 

Straining throats with ardor rash, 
Whistling o'er their blithesome air. 

Here the sober, plain chebec 
With his olive-pated crown, 

Sits and watches without check 
Insects rare fly up and down. 

Hunger calls, and now he dines 
On the gnats and flies around. 

Then instead of pleasing lines 
Comes a squeaky, strident sound. 



34 



THE HOME SPIRIT 



Frequently he calls his name, 
Fearing there may be mistake, 

Though his notes are just the same 
Varied feelings he can wake. 

Bluebirds come with plaintive song 
Making up their minds to nest, 

Only staying just so long 

As the sparrows give them rest. 

Here is beauty free to all, 

Colors fair and fragrance sweet. 

Sounds melodious now fall. 
Apple blossoms you must greet ! 



35 



THE HOME SPIRIT 



MEGANSETT 

There stands the house on highest crest 

Of hill with face to sea. 
It views the sunsets in the west, 

Nor wants elsewhere to be. 

The sea is dotted o'er with isles, 

While promontories bold 
Push out their rocks and sands for miles, 

Yet to the land still hold. 

And here the yachts go sailing near 
To windmill doors, while sounds 

Of waves which lap the shore, you hear, 
And now the cry of hounds. 

Whole flocks of sheep here wander round 

Nor think of want except 
When thirst, where water is not found, 

Reminds of land rain swept. 

At rear low undulating hills 

The far horizon mark, 
While near, a grove the picture fills, 

Made up of cedars dark. 

It is a bright May morn 

When tiny drops of dew 
Aloft do ride on grass and corn 

And plants are washed anew. 



36 



THE HOME SPIRIT 



The purple finch on cedar tree 

Pours forth his glorious song; 
And all his brilliant coat you see 

Nor find his hymn too long. 

He thrills with ecstasy at thought 

Of her who listens near. 
It is enough to be thus sought, 

What else can be so dear ! 

And then there comes the plaintive cry 

From field across the way 
Of meadow lark, who makes you sigh 

And know all things decay. 

But soon the merry chickadee 

Goes flitting gaily round, ' 
While goldfinch hunts from tree to tree 

His love with sweetest sound. 

And in the woods you breathe the air, 

Sweet scented by the pines. 
With spice from salt sea winds, which bear 

The ocean's breath to vines. 

'Tis here you tread the dead leaves down 

And pick arbutus sweet, 
Which comes in spring all clad in gown 

Of pink and white so neat. 



37 



THE HOME SPIRIT 



There flies about in numbers great 

A bird with coat of green. 
These warblers haunt the pines; 'til late 

In fall they may be seen. 

Here too the strident ceaseless call 

And questions without end 
Of vireo now fall. 

What answer can you send? 

f ou long to make him understand 

His questions are bad taste ; 
That all things both on sea and land 

Must sometimes go to waste. 



38 



THE HOME SPIRIT 



THE FAIRY'S HOME 

A sunbaked rocky knoll, whose sides 
Are decked with columbine and ferns, 
O'erlooks a tiny pool which turns 
To black and all its beauty hides. 

The faintest breath of wind makes swing 
The columbine, which always grows 
From jagged rocks, where envious foes 
Can clamber not, nor yet can cling. 

Its tubes are now a fairy's home. 

By day she leads a quiet life. 

From morn till night the woods are rife 

With songs of birds who do not roam. 

Across the way in bushy field 
A sparrow small throws back his head 
And sings a song which some have said 
Has all their wrongs and sorrows healed. 

His highest, swetest notes are harsh 
Compared to music of the air 
And leaves. Thus bathed in sound, no care 
Obtrudes nor thought of dismal marsh. 



39 



THE HOME SPIRIT 



At close of day there come the moth 
And butterfly, most frequent guests. 
The nectar sweet with many tests 
She tries ; then quickly lays the cloth. 

With merry hearts they drink the wine, 
And chat of new arrivals, as 
The rose who now spring beauty has 
And sweetness more than any vine. 

She shares their joy and when they go 
Gives thanks her house is stored with food 
For such as they. Then wistful mood 
Holds sway. Her beauty she would know. 

In morning light she bends above 
The pool and slowly scans her face. 
The verdict is she comes of race 
Whose charms consists in work of love. 



40 



THE HOME SPIRIT 



THE INVITATION 

"Come to me." The thrush's notes 

Breathe an invitation sweet. 
Through the air his message floats, 
Bringing peace amid the heat. 
Come to me oh ! weary one, 
Rest I give, when work is done. 

Come to me and drink your fill 

From spring's fount of youth and joy; 
Wander over vale and hill ; 

Make earth yield her blessings coy. 
Come to me oh ! weary one, 
Rest I give, when work is done. 

Come to me ye worldly ones, 
Cast aside ambitions weak ; 
Breathe the air that strength refunds; 
Learn the blessing of the meek. 
Come to me oh! weary one, 
Rest I give, when work is done. 

"Come to Me," said One above. 
"Learn of Me for I am meek. 
Rest shall come to you through love, 
Yours shall be, all that ye seek." 
Come to me oh! weary one, 
Rest I give, when work is done. 



41 



THE HOME SPIRIT 



THE JUNCO 

A scramble up the mountain side, 

Before the sun was at high tide, 

Led us through woods where leaves dropped dew, 

And paths were wet with moisture new. 

The junco's 'tsip soon gave us word 
That we should find this social bird 
Close by. And there o'er fallen trees 
And tangled roots, he hopped with ease. 

His friends soon came and flitted round 
With cordial 'tsip. Then homeward bound. 
They flew away with tail wide spread. 
Two feathers white, the rest like lead. 

The junco's trim and stylish look 

Impressed us with the care he took. 

His dress of mingled drab and white * 

Atoned for lack of plumage bright. 

His wide acquaintance with his kind 
Bespeaks his friendly, cheerful mind. 
He passes all his time in flocks 
And at his neighbor never mocks. 

Still here when early snow storms come. 
He flees the cold which may benumb. 
A mild and open winter here 
Sees j uncos living without fear. 



42 



THE HOME SPIRIT 



LILY POND 

I came to water clear and green, 

Whose surface smooth could scarce be seen. 

For there they lay the lilies white, 

And drank their fill. How glad a sight! 

The shore was lined with flowers bright, 
Whose colors gleamed amid the light. 
The yellow hyssop made a mass 
Whose golden glow I could not pass. 

Gerardias so slender grew, 
They seemed a plant entirely new. 
Their blossoms pink waved to and fro 
With faintest breath of wind so low. 

A clump of cat-o'-nine tails green 
Toward the water forward lean. 
As if to watch their image there, 
And learn their beauty to declare. 

Its own distinctive form displayed 
Each plant and shrub. Not one delayed. 
The lichens spread their mossy bed ; 
Their fragrance rare the lilies shed. 



43 



THE HOME SPIRIT 



THE BROOKSIDE 

The glowing heat of August's sun 

Had tamed the brook's young love of fun. 

Its murky waters clearly told 

Of rainwashed banks and stagnant mold. 

There stood the cardinal whose flowers 
Of rich deep red, fresh washed by showers, 
Gave hint that autumn days so dear 
Would soon be here with colors clear. 

It stood in groups of twos and threes, 
While here and there beneath the trees 
A spike which lacked the sun's warm glow 
Had flowers of pink and white to show. 

Here grew the long-leafed loosestrife rare, 
And mints whose odors filled the air. 
The speedwell blue and bedstraw small 
A gladsome welcome gave to all. 

The crested kingbird took his sips 
With plunges oft and frequent dips, 
While swallows flitted o'er the brook 
And chattered of its muddy look. 



44 



THE HOME SPIRIT 



FALL DAYS 

Extra coldness in the air, 
Nipping winds announce with fear 
Summer days, so bright and fair, 
Come no more, however dear. 

Dark blue sky with ne'er a cloud 
Hovers o'er the earth below. 
Birds, with call now low, now loud, 
Tell of blessings they bestow. 

Elm trees scatter leaves broadcast 
As the north wind passes through. 
Maple leaves are turning fast 
To the hues of sunset true. 

Woodbine clambering o'er the fence 
Has a rusty shiny look. 
Oak trees of a size immense 
Drop their acorns by the brook. 

Golden rod now brown and sere 
Waves its plumage e'er it die. 
Asters of a blue most clear 
Borrow beauty of the sky. 

Work in earnest now begins. 
Children to their books return. 
No time now for sloth or sins. 
All with zeal and ardor burn. 



45 



THE HOME SPIRIT 



A FALL SURPRISE 

A ramble through the woods and fields, 
One warm September day this year, 

Revealed the power that nature wields 
To change her course without a fear. 

The cattle browsed the scanty grass, 
Which brown and sere still clothed the earth. 

The oak trees standing in a mass 

Impressed one with their size and worth. 

Here flowed along the babbling brook, 
O'er pebbles, stones, and piles of sand, 

While asters with a gladsome look, 
In colors bright, bedecked the land. 

There stood a rock, with fissures deep, 
Whose sides were covered o'er with ferns. 

On top there bloomed, all in a heap, 
The bluets white, for which earth yearns. 

The warm September sun had brought 
To bloom these tiny flowers of Spring; 

And they for beauty fair had sought 
As still to joy and life they cling. 



46 



THE HOME SPIRIT 



A WARM OCTOBER DAY 

The sun with joy and vigor made 
Its shortening path across the sky. 
In highest heaven suspended hung 
The moon, whose semi-orb looked like 
A cloud, transparent, fleecy, white. 

The sky was one bright dome of blue, 
But softened by a faint white haze. 
The land seemed bathed in yellow light, 
Which made the fields all beautiful. 
Whatever their intrinsic worth. 

The pines breathed forth a fragrance sweet. 
The maples decked themselves in reds 
And yellow bright, with here and there 
A sober brown to tone them down. 
The elms were shedding fast their leaves. 

Lo, there a clump of willows grew, 
Beneath which cattle lay and slept. 
In fields near by, the tufted corn 
Still stood, and rustled forth its tale, 
As merry breezes played their tricks. 



47 



THE HOME SPIRIT 



A squirrel ran along the fence 
With eyes intent on finding food. 
No nut trees were within his sight 
So off he scurried, tail in air, 
To try his luck in other fields. 

A low moist field made fitting home 
For beds of ferns. And in their midst 
Magenta colored milkwort hid. 
There groups of gentians fringed and blue 
As sapphires, revelled in the sun. 

Their color deep and true gave thoughts 
Of God's protecting care and love: 
For He who clothed the flowers so 
Will never let His children want. 
So trust in Him and be true blue. 



48 



THE HOME SPIRIT 



FRIENDS 

A woody road, which wound through groves 
Of maple, oak, and graceful elm, 

Was strewn with fallen leaves. Their foes, 
The cold and frost, did them o'erwhelm. 

The tall, straight maple trees were bare. 

The sturdy oaks still wore their red, 
While slender ash trees took good care 

Of leaves still left, although all dead. 

Abundant life was here. With dash 
Of lightning speed the squirrels ran 

Across our path with ardor rash. 
Our size placed us beneath their ban. 

A tiny chipmunk sat on end 

And held aloft a tid bit rare. 
His coat of stripes he does not mend, 

But he must find his daily fare. 

A solitary robin flew, 

Then perched on elm tree bare and high, 
And called for friends most choice and few. 

The chickadees gave answering cry. 



49 



THE HOME SPIRIT 



This heartened Mr. Robin lone. 

He flew away to join the crew 
Who take hard fare without a moan. 

He now had found some friends most true. 

A crow flies overhead and sings 

His croaking song. And there a dove, 

And flicker with his golden wings, 
Go bounding through the air above. 

Song sparrows show their spotted breasts 
But never sing a note. They think the time 

Has come when each bird gladly rests. 
The goldfinch sings his winter rhyme. 



50 



THE HOME SPIRIT 



INDIAN SUMMER 

The warmth of Indian summer days 
Makes cattle browse the scanty grass, 

Delighted that the cold delays 
Until November days shall pass. 

The brook still flows along through fields 
All brown with plumes of golden rod. 

The barberry shows its thorny shields 
And milkweed bursts its puffy pod. 

The silky, tufted seeds float round, 
Transparent snowflakes in the air. 

This early down-storm makes no sound, 
Is storm most pleasing, mild, and fair. 

Tall shocks of corn stand, rows on rows, 

Against the blueness of the sky. 
The celery beds the farmer hoes, 

For there his latest crop stands high. 

In sandy soil the pine trees green 

Display their rigid foliage. 
The rocky knolls afar are seen 

In haze of summer parentage. 



51 



THE HOME SPIRIT 



A CLOUDY DECEMBER DAY 

All day the skies had frowned upon the earth, 

Which like a lake, had given answ'ring scowls. 

The wind had swept the land with dismal howls 

That spoke of loneliness and wrath. The dearth 

Of flowers sweet made life of little worth. 

At time of setting sun the hoot of owls 

Was heard, but not another sound save growls 

Of dogs. To golden light the sun gave birth. 

The distant hills took on fresh grace and charm 

When seen against the changing, shifting lights. 

The sun soon sank to rest beneath the heights 

Which lit their beacon fires to give alarm. 

The close of day came on apace and night's 

Dark hours brought rest to wearied foot and arm. 



52 



THE HOME SPIRIT 



THE NIGHT'S MIRACLE 

Last even time the earth so brown and bare 
Lay bathed in radiant light of moon, which cast 
Its subtle charm o'er all the scene so vast. 
The winter squirrel peeped from out his lair 
To find the beams made silver gray his hair. 
When late and dismal dawn told night was past 
The pure white snow was falling thick and fast, 
Thus making ermine robes for earth to wear. 

The larches bent beneath their clinging load, 
While lilac bushes showed their feathery mass. 
Like swallows' nests, the snow was plastered on 
The house. It lay in drifts all down the road. 
Some piled fence high. The flakes like busy lass 
Had wrought this bridal robe for earth to don. 



53 



THE HOME SPIRIT 



THE WINTER VISITOR 

Bright diamonds sparkled in the light 

Of sun upon the snow. 
Their radiance bright was such as might 

Bring heart of princes low. 

And here, the stately evergreens 

Their darksome shadows cast, 
While there, an oak tree forward leans, 

With dead leaves clinging fast. 

A flock of redpolls came this way 

In search of seeds which cling 
To the grass and shrub in spite of decay 

Which winter days must bring. 

They hopped about with vigorous air 

These tiny visitors. 
Whose breasts and heads of pink seemed fair 

Against the green of firs. ^ 

I watched their movements with glad thought 

Of what a treat I had. 
Their beauty, often hid and sought 

In vain, made others sad. 

But here my daily path had sight 

Which wealth could furnish not. 
The glad surprise well might 

Make grateful the heart that had not sought. 



54 



THE HOME SPIRIT 



MEMORY'S GARDEN 

Gertrude, grown to woman's stature, 

Lives where childhood days passed swiftly, 

All her thoughts of love and pleasure 
Round her garden gather dimly. 

Here were passed the merry, happy 

Days that come to care free children. 

Here she lived her life most gaily. 

Not a thought e'er came to frighten. 

In this sheltered spot the roses 
Bloomed ahead of time. Syringas 

Loaded down the air. Ten paces, 
Took her to the bed of dahlias. 

Most she loved the velvet pansies. 

They would greet her as they lifted 
Their bright faces. All their fancies 

Seemed to keep them fresh, unwearied. 

Here she learned of God's protecting 
Care displayed in leaf and flower. 

Man's co-operation plainly 

Was a part of God's intention. 



55 



THE HOME SPIRIT 



GIVE THANKS 

Give thanks that you are made, 
Unlike the flowers that fade, 
For Hfe eternal. Make 
Life count for Christ's dear sake. 

Give thanks that deepest woes 
Which come as bitter foes, 
Teach lessons you may share 
With all for whom you care. 

Give thanks that life has still 
Some place that you must fill. 
That loved ones need you more 
When hearts are sad and sore. 

Give thanks that you are strong 
To work however long 
The time the task requires ; 
That work ne'er fails nor tires. 

Give thanks that you can share, 
And help your neighbor bear, 
The mingled good and ill 
Which comes against his will. 



56 



THE HOME SPIRIT 



Give thanks that you can feel 
The strong desire to deal 
Hard blows for truth and right. 
For truth spend all your might. 

Give thanks that joys abound, 
Like love and friends new found; 
That life presents a cup 
Of wine for you to sup. 



57 



THE HOME SPIRIT 



MY TRUST 

When sore afraid of life and all 

It holds in store, in God I put 
My trust. He listens to each call 

For needed strength in hand and foot. 

When tried and worn amid the strife 
Within, of warring good and ill, 

Then turn I to the God of Life 

Who gladly strengthens my weak will. 

When longing for a quiet mind 

And heart at rest from vain desires, 

Then in the Son of God I find 

The perfect life which so inspires. 

When full of joy so great it brings 
A touch of pain, I find in Him 

The sympathizing Friend. Prayer wings 
Its way to heaven with joyful vim. 



58 



THE HOME SPIRIT 



PRAYER 

"Prayer is the cry of faith to the ear of mercy." — 
E. H. Chapin. 

Lo ! prayer is called "The cry of faith to ear 
Of mercy" Conscious weakness cries aloud 
To One who rules the universe, and bowed 
In supplication utters each wild fear. 
The priests once called aloud to Baal, "Hear 
Us Baal." Then they leaped in air, and cowed 
With dread did gash themselves ; but no one vowed 
To live a purer better life each year. 

Our God is not far off, nor does he sleep ; 

But listens to each prayer, though He knows well 

The heart's true needs. A friend to all who weep. 

He dries their bitter tears, and all who tell 

Their needs, find aid. Thus prayer becomes the deep 

Strong breath of souls, who ne'er their birthright sell. 



59 



THE HOME SPIRIT 



THE PURE IN HEART 

Oh, ''Blessed are the pure in heart," 

Whose hands are clean and lips drop pearls 
Of wisdom. They in busy mart 

Keep spirit free from giddy whirls. 

In hours of quietness and rest, 

Their minds can furnish what they need 

Of pictures fair of bird and nest ; 

And "God is love," is all their creed. 



EASTER MORN 

When morning light still flooded hills and plain, 

Lo, Mary left her home and sadly went 

To see the tomb of her dear Lord. She bent 

Her head in thought, and tried to still her pain. 

At sight of stone now rolled away, she fain 

Would seek the spot where Jesus lay ; and rent 

With anguish fresh, of ill was confident, 

Though there stood white robed angels without stain. 

She turned and asked for news of Christ, of one 

Who came behind. Still then, she failed to see 

It was her Lord who stood close by. But His 

One word of, ''Mary," brought the light of sun 

To her whose darkened eyes had failed to be 

The windows clear, through which soul sees what is. 



60 



THE HOME SPIRIT 



ST. BERNARD " 

St. Bernard, trained in youth with tender care 

By one who gave her Hfe to work of love 
For those her children dear, had beauty rare. 

Hard, skilful service for his God above 
His eager, glad, aspiring soul would dare. 

And penance sore he underwent, when love 
Of self obscured his thought of God. This wore 

His flesh, but still his spirit grew the more. 

The order of white monks he joined, and day 

By day worked hard, and cooked his meager fare. 
He passed no time in sloth, but raked the hay, 

And turned the sod, and gave his thought to care 
Of lands and stock. His leisure hours he may 

Have passed with books, for much his sermons bear 
The impress of a master mind. He grew 

Most fast in knowledge, grace, and wisdom true. 

He went with band of chosen men to found 

A monastery new amid the wild 
And dreary woods. And soon there came the sound 

Of axe and saw, and trees they felled and piled 
Them high, and built their huts, and tilled the ground 

Which blossomed as the rose. His rule was mild, 
But word of him went forth, and so his name 

To this community brought lasting fame. 



61 



THE HOME SPIRIT 



He took his place among the ranks of men 

Who furnish leadership for all. Oft sought 
By warring popes and monarchs great, he then 

Would urge the cause of right, and was not caught 
By seeming might. True worth he knew ; so when 

A side he took, the cause was won and nought 
Prevailed against it. Selfish thoughts and deeds, 

He made the people see, were ugly weeds. 

With zeal and ardor fired he preached to king 

And common men the need of service true 
In Palestine. He made the Germans fling 

Their banners out, and French take field anew. 
These days of triumph soon go by and bring 

Sad days, when news of armies lost and few 
Lives spared fill all the land with cries of wrath. 

And now St. Bernard shows the skill he hath. 

The fickle folk soon came and blamed him sore 

For all the ill around. He dared to tell 
The truth, and gave them word that those who wore 

The cross had not been true; so there they fell 
O'ercome by want amid the battle's roar. 

With such as they had proved, God could not well 
Make common cause. He bade them homeward go, 

And penance do, for sins they so well know. 



62 



THE HOME SPIRIT 



This saint gave time and thought to making clear 

The teaching of the church. Though much he 
scorned 
The world of books, and knowledge without fear 

Of God, he wrote his homilies and warned 
Of heresy. Thus passed his nights so drear; 

His work aside he put as daylight dawned. 
This life of constant work and boundless zeal 

He lived till death imprinted its cold seal. 



63 



THE HOME SPIRIT 



SAINT LUCIA 

In Syracuse, which groaned beneath the sway 

Of Roman governor, there lived a maid 
Of noble birth and wisdom which from day 

To day still greater grew. Her life she weighed 
In balance with the truth, while every ray 

Of light brought growth in heavenly life. No aid 
She scorned, but humbly sought to know the road 

Her feet should tread, and then adjust her load. 

In early life betrothed to one who gave 

No heed to Christian truth, she firmly sought 
Release from hateful yoke. And one did rave 

About the beauty of her eyes, which wrought 
Him harm and left no peace, unless she save 

His life by giving hers. Thus lovers taught 
Her soon to know her worth and beauty rare, 

But purity and faith became her care. 

Her mother healed of long time sickness sore, 

In gratitude and love to God, soon gave 
Her word to urge the marriage day no more. 

Their riches now they spent to save 
The sick and poor from lack of care. This door 

Of opportunity they would not waive. 
Though thought of want ahead filled hearts with care ; 

Still joy in service true gave strength to dare. 



64 



THE HOME SPIRIT 



St. Lucia's holy life now taught the truth, 

That inner light makes radiance bright which calls 
Attention to its source. Her deeds, uncouth 

To blinded eyes in stately palace halls, 
Bought judgment sure. Her beauty roused no ruth, 

But sentence stern was passed on her. The Gauls 
In savage mood did deed no worse. Thus passed 

The light of Syracuse in faith most fast. 



65 



THE HOME SPIRIT 



SAINT BARBARA 

There dwelt in Heliopolis, a man 

Dioscorus of noble birth, I wis, 
And of possessions great. Beneath his ban 

There fell the race of men, for fear he miss 
The company so dear of one who can 

Make pass the weary day with frequent kiss, 
And fondest phrase, and sweetest words of love, 

His daughter Barbara, his peaceful dove. 

He built for her a tower, exceeding high. 

Where she should live secluded from the haunts 
Of men. For if they saw her beauty nigh, 

Her hand would then be asked. Her mother's taunts 
Nor changed his purpose stern, nor her sad sigh 

For life more free. To satisfy her wants 
She turned to books, and meditation deep, 

And studied close the stars, and would not weep. 

The wonders of the firmament overhead, 

The stars unceasingly did sing. The might 
And power expressed in them, her fancy fed. 

The alternation of the day and night, 
The phases of the moon, her thoughts now lead 

To images of gods within whose sight 
These daily miracles were wrought. But still 

Their countenances brought no faith to fill. 



66 



THE HOIME SPIRIT 



At last the fame of Origen was spread 

Until it reached her lonely tower. She sent 
And asked instruction true, and when he read 

Her letter o'er, he felt great joy. He went 
Not forth, but sent another who soon led 

Her into peace and faith in God, who lent 
His Son to man, to prove His love and care 

For all the creatures who His image wear. 

To Christ's disciples true her father was 

A bitter foe. On leaving home he gave 
Strict word to build a room without a pause 

Or rest, whose beauty rare would make her rave 
In ecstasy. His plan pleased not, because 

Her thoughts turned now to Christ who came to 
save 
Her soul. At her command the builders made 

Her windows three at which she often stayed. 

She now confessed her soul received the light 

From Father, Son, and Holy Ghost all three. 
They taught her day by day to know the right, 

And gave her heavenly visions, which to see 
Made life one long, persistent, wirming fight. 

Her father at her tale refused to be 
The guardian of her erring life. He beat 

Her sore and took her life, as was not mete. 



67 



THE HOME SPIRIT 



SAINT CATHERINE 

Siena, city of great heights and deep 

Ravines, keeps watch within her city walls 
O'er all her populace. On ridges steep 

There stand cathedral vast and convent hails, 
While in between there flow the streams which keep 

The city fount supplied. One hears the calls 
Of merry people gathered on its brink, 

Who come for friendly chat arid healthful drink. 

Close by this fount, there lived a saint of old, 

Fair Catherine, whose earthly life was spent 
In one long strife to bring within the fold 

All sin-sick souls. And here she often bent 
Above the sparkling v/ater, clear and cold. 

To take a drink ; then on her way she went. 
And as her thirst returned, she gladly thought 

Of Christ's sustaining love for all who sought. 

A visionary child she fed her mind 

On pictures of the saints and martyrs bold. 
She learned to know the faces mild and kind 

Of Christ's disciples true. Their stories told 
Her once, she ne'er forgot; but came to find 

A quiet pleasure in these records old. 
Rut most she dwelt on tale of Egypt's saint 

Whose name she bore, who had no sinful taint. 



68 



THE HOME SPIRIT 



Like her she vowed to live a holy life 

With hope of pleasing Christ her only aim. 
When grown, her father thought to make her w^ife 

Of one who yielded to her beauty's claim. 
But though oft sought, she promised not ; so strife 

Ensued. They made her household drudge, who 
came 
And went at their behest. But her good deeds 

Soon won their trust in Him who souls now feeds 

Saint Dominic's Third Order now she joined 

And passed three years in silence, living in 
Her father's attic with its arches groined 

But low. Here evil thoughts of deeds of sin 
Tormented her ; but prayer she daily coined 

That she in strife with foul desires might win. 
And here she saw the blessed Christ who came 

To bring to her the healing of His Name. 

And now to deeds of charity she turned 

And in her love for all mankind did nurse 
A cancer patient and a leper. Learned 

To work for love of work, nor feared the curse 
Might fall on her ; yet willing to be burned 

If needs must be. With all she shared her purse, 
But better far did give her love and thought 

To wear}^ world-worn souls whom Christ had 
bought. 



69 



^HE HOME SPIRIT 



Now Italy was torn in twain with strife 

Between the cities and the Pope who dwelt 
In France. Small wars and quarrels were most rife. 

Then Catherine as envoy went to melt 
The Pope and win fair terms. And her fair life 

Was known to all the Court and every Celt. 
Her mission won she begged the Pope's return 

To Italy ; for him the land does yearn. 

At Duty's call he went to Rome to pass 

His last few months. But when a year slipped by 
He died and evil days soon came — when mass 

Was celebrated as before — but cry 
Of party strife filled all the land, and grass 

And blossom fair there lay beneath the sky 
With none to praise. And Catherine now worked 

With dark foreboding of the ill that lurked. 

Amid these tumults Catherine soon died 

Though still a woman young and fair to see. 
And as her life now ebbed away she cried, 

*'Vain glory, no." Let that assertion be 
Her answer strong and true to all who lied, 

And said she lived to win great fame, which He 
Her chosen Lord could give. In Art she wears 

A crown of thorns and a fair lily bears. 



70 



THE HOME SPIRIT 



SAINT CHRISTOPHER 

Saint Christopher of Canaan was a man 

Of rocklike strength and most exceeding size, 
Who sought for service with a king whose ban 

Would cover as Avith clouds the earth. The wise 
Fulfilled not his demands. He soon began 

To go from court to court, where many lies 
Were told of each king's power. At last he found 

The one he sought, where riches did abound. 

For him he worked until one day he saw 

The monarch pale at Satan's name. He left 
To seek this greater man, whose name made raw 

Youths cringe in fear and kings, of strength bereft, 
Show forth the common man. Men armed for war 

And in their skill in horsemanship most deft 
He met and greeted, "Satan, prince of men 

I seek, whose might and power no words can pen." 

The chief replied "And I am he." Then they 

Together onward fared and came to place 
Where four roads met ; but there a cross did stay 

Their progress. Satan with a fiendish face 
Gave vent to all the fear within ; "Obey 

The Christ who on that cross did die for race 
Of men ! Needs must, if we should meet. So make 

We circuit wide and other paths do take." 



71 



THE HOME SPIRIT 



Then Christopher with eager zeal now went 

To seek this other mightier king, but found 
Him not. A monk told what His service meant 

Of hardship and enduring faith ; how bound 
To Him he needs must fast, and go where sent, 

And offer frequent prayers which were not sound 
Alone. To this he said, *T will not so; 

For thus I lose my strength to conquer foe." 

And then the monk told of a river deep 

Which rains did often flood and where each year 
Some lost their lives. "Go there and watch now keep ; 

There help to save the drowning men. Be near 
To bear across the weak and those who weep 

For fear of that wild rushing stream." So clear 
The words, they moved his heart and by the stream 

He dwelt where first the morning sun did gleam. 

One night he heard a child's low plaintive cry. 

"Take me across this night." Now thrice the call 
Did come and urgent seemed the need so nigh. 

The child upon his shoulders broad with ball 
In hand did ride at ease. A palm tree high. 

As staff he grasped, lest he perchance should fall. 
The waters dashed breast high and winds did blow ; 

The child became a fearful weight and woe. 



72 



THE HOME SPIRIT 



At last the further bank he reached and set 

The child upon the earth, but asked him straight 
What made his weight increase so much. His debt 

Of gratitude the child did pay, nor wait 
For better chance ; but made the staff so wet 

To grow and bring forth leaves, and then the date 
In fitting season. Christ thus passed that way 

And found his servant true, both night and day. 



n 



THE HOME SPIRIT 



SAINT ELIZABETH 

Elizabeth of Hungary was born 

In time of peace, when all the land did smile 
Beneath the rays of love and hope. The corn 

Supplied the want of hungry folk, and file 
And axe filled ears with sounds more sharp than morn 

Of battle brought. This princess fair no guile 
E'er learned, but early gave her toys and gowns 

To cheer the poor who lived, packed close, in towns. 

Her charm and loveliness made German prince 

Ask her in marriage for his son. Thus home 
She left at four, and went to soon convince 

The Wartburg court that angel guests did roam 
That way. At words of wrath she would not wince 

But let them pass like angry gusts that, foam 
Of sea, lash up. Her time she spent in deeds 

Of love and gave her best to meet all needs. 

Her married life was one long bliss; 

For much she loved her Louis true and kind. 
On his return from hunting trip, with kiss 

And warm embrace she him would greet and find 
Him loath to go again and miss 

Companionship so dear. But still her mind 
Was not at rest. Her love so strong and true 

Must have eternity in which to do. 



74 



THE HOME SPIRIT 



She prayed and fasted much, but played her part 

As lady-liege and wife and mother well. 
She dressed to please her husband's taste, and heart 

So pure shone forth, that all must needs go tell 
Her wondrous charm. One winter day with start 

She saw her husband close at hand. There fell 
A silence first, then chilling hands pushed back 

Her robe which held some bread for those who lack. 

A mass of roses red and white there lay 

Whose fragrance sweet surpassed the rose of June. 
He took just one, nor longer made her stay, 

But went his way with rose on breast, and soon 
Was lost in thought of her whom angels say 

Had more of heaven than earth. At hour of noon 
She came, but seemed like one to whom this change 

Was nothing very new or even strange. 

Her husband took the Holy Cross and went 

As vassal knight through Italy on way 
To Palestine. He died most confident 

That wife and children dear without delay 
Would have his heritage. His brother sent 

And seized the land, nor would he ever pay 
The sums he ought, but drove her forth to find 

A refuge sure with friends who were most kind. 



75 



THE HOME SPIRIT 



Her husband's knights took up her cause and soon 

She had her widow's share. She turned to life 
Of daily sacrifice, and asked as boon 

To beg her bread; but this denied, her strife 
For righteous life kept up. And oft the noon 

Time passed and she had never lifted knife. 
Her penance sore and daily toil soon wore 

Her out. Thus passed a saint whom all adore. 



CHRISTMAS GOOD-WILL 

On earth lo ! peace, good-will to men ! 
The message of the angel sounds 
On through the centuries. The bounds 
Of earth now hear from hill to fen. 

Good-will from man to man prevail ! 
Now more and more, the other's woe 
Each man does share, and oft will go 
On errands swift at sorrow's tale. 

The love of Christ now enters in ; 
And prayer the soul's communion sweet 
With God above, makes hearts that beat 
With forceful aim to conquer sin. 



1^ 



THE HOME SPIRIT 



CHRIST IS BORN 

Augustus Caesar ruled at Rome, 
Though weary, spent, and wanting rest. 
J-Iis minions ruled the subject states, 
And raised there altars to his name. 

And Herod, King of Judah old, 
Still kept his throne, despite ill will. 
He won the Roman ruler's faith. 
And planned to be his chief ally. 

The times were troublous in the East. 
The hated Herod had no peace. 
His son and heir had plotted death 
For him his father, king, and chief. 

The plot revealed, and life secure, 
Lo ! Herod sickened unto death. 
Midwinter days passed slowly by, 
But still the king endured and lived. 

A group of shepherds watched their flocks 
One night near Bethlehem. Their thoughts 
Were of their country's future fate 
Should Romans strive to gain control. 



77 



THE HOME SPIRIT 



Some wandered up and down the fields 
Their careful watch still keeping close. 
Some lay upon the moist damp earth, 
To rest and sleep before the day. 

There came upon them suddenly 
The angel of the Lord of Hosts. 
The glory of the Lord shone round, 
And they were sore afraid and feared. 

The angel said to them '*Fear not 
For lo ! I bring good news for you 
And all the peoples of the earth. 
Lo, Christ the Lord is born this day. 

A sign I give that this is true. 

The babe lies wrapped in swaddling clothes 

And has a manger for his crib." 

The angel's story now was told. 

And suddenly a mighty host 
Of angels came and praised the Lord. 
And said ''To God Almighty praise 
And glory raise, for Christ the Lord." 



78 



THE HOME SPIRIT 



On earth henceforth lo! peace will reign; 
Good will from man to man prevail." 
Then silence fell and darkness came. 
The shepherds pondered o'er the tale. 

No time they lost but hastened fast 
To Bethlehem the town near b}'. 
And here they found the crowded inn 
And guests for whom there was no room. 

Outside the house in cattle shed 

They found the child they sought with fear. 

And patient Mary listened, well 

To all their tale of wondrous jo3^ 

She kept these thoughts deep hid within : 
And pondered oft and wondered more 
That she should be the chosen one 
To raise a Saviour for mankind. 



79 



THE HOME SPIRIT 



IDEALS 

Ideals clearly graven on the mind, 

From formless mass, give life its shape. 

When gazing from a mountain top, we find 
Our eyes select the headland and the cape. 

We shape our acts to match our secret thought, 
And strive to win that which we praise. 

And thus the longed for goal is always sought, 
And makes a j)ath amid life's maize. 

Our plan of work may be beyond our strength 

To carry out in daily life. 
But as the years go slowly past, at length 

We win some skill amid the strife. 

And he who aims at perfect life below, 
At first with stumbling steps fares on. 

But swifter grows his pace, at first so slow, 
Though years bring lessons he must con. 

Thus life grows fuller, richer day by day. 
As youthful dreams appear in sight. 

The quest goes on with greater zeal, nor may 
It cease ; for day succeeds life's night. 



80 



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